Not Dead Yet: The Memoir

Phil Collins

Oct 2016 · Sold by Crown Archetype

About this ebook

Phil Collins pulls no punches—about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that’s inspired his music.

In his much-awaited memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age 11 in a crowd shot from the Beatles’ legendary film A Hard Day’s Night. A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on the job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis.

Soon, he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and “In the Air Tonight.” Whether he’s recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney’s smash-hit animated Tarzan, Collins’s storytelling chops never waver. And of course he answers the pressing question on everyone’s mind: just what does “Sussudio” mean?
 
Not Dead Yet is Phil Collins’s candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines. As one of only three musicians to sell 100 million records both in a group and as a solo artist, Collins breathes rare air, but has never lost his touch at crafting songs from the heart that touch listeners around the globe. That same touch is on magnificent display here, especially as he unfolds his harrowing descent into darkness after his “official” retirement in 2007, and the profound, enduring love that helped save him.

This is Phil Collins as you’ve always known him, but also as you’ve never heard him before.

Ratings and reviews

Nt dance by Genesis won't let me from not fighting with giggles since I'll never let u live that died in ur arms tonight down lmgdaso

Great read. I enjoyed every bit of it. At times hilarious (Elton and Fergie trading tiara tips), at times inspiring (although, at 66, the opportunities have passed), and at times incredibly sad (what were thinking in your relationships?). I feel closer to a man whom I have never met but whom I have admired for his accomplishments.

A great read, appreciate Phil's honesty in telling his story although it didn't always put him in the best of light. Phil's career as a singer/songwriter have put him in a league very few are in, it was interesting getting an insight to the writing process and to the amazing career this man has had. (Not sure why this review is dated 1969???)

About the author

Born in the United Kingdom, Phil Collins rose to fame as the drummer and frontman of Genesis, before establishing himself as a solo artist, and selling hundreds of millions of records throughout his career.